Auditions for the Tracy community musical State Fair are planned Sunday and Monday, Jan. 13-14.
Director Erin Dahmes invites all interested people, from junior high age to adult, to try out. No previous stage experience is necessary.
The audition sessions are set for 6 p.m. both nights in the Tracy Elementary music room. Each candidate is asked to come prepared to sing a one-minute selection.
The Fine Arts Council of Tracy and Tracy Community Education sponsored production will be presented April 5-7. The Rodgers & Hammerstein production will be Tracy’s first community musical in nine years. The last was the 2010 staging of Annie.
Although the score officially calls for 17 men’s parts and 12 women’s, the cast can easily be expanded.
Everyone who tries out will get a part, according to Dahmes.
The Tracy Children’s Choir, directed by Shannon Benson, will be a part of the show as well. Children’s Choir members will be sing in some group numbers, and also portray kids at the fair.
The State Fair plot revolves around a farm family embarking on their annual trip to the Iowa State Fair. Mom and Dad are focused on winning purple ribbons, with Pa especially excited about prospects for his handsome pig, “Blue Boy.” A daughter and son find romantic possibilities at the fair. Memorable songs from the score include “Grand Night for Singing,” “Might as Well be Spring,” “You Never Had it So Good,” and “State Fair.” The musical has a number of choreographed group dances.
In addition to cast members, Dahmes will also be seeking volunteers for behind-the-scenes, including props, set construction, lighting & sound, hair & make-up, and costuming.
Morgan Benson will be the assistant director.
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Group rehearsals are planned Sunday afternoons. Practice sessions for principals will generally be on weeknights, according to Dahmes, with efforts made to accommodate individual schedules.